CBN: As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Israel is facing heightened threats from both Iran and the United States. An Iranian deputy military commander has threatened to obliterate all Zionists, while the Biden administration has warned that it may impose a weapons boycott on Israel if humanitarian conditions in Gaza don’t improve. This week, historian Daniel Pipes joins us on The Global Lane. Daniel, what are your thoughts on the Biden administration’s position?
Pipes: The Biden administration is in a quandary. On one hand, President Biden is a long-term advocate of Israeli security and truly cares for Israel. On the other hand, his potential successor, the next Democratic candidate for president, is dealing with a strongly anti-Zionist faction, particularly in key states like Michigan. So the administration is having to balance its support for Israel by appearing tough on Israel, in hopes of winning back some alienated voters.
CBN: So, there’s a balancing act between the Middle East—nuclear weapons, Iran—and domestic political concerns, like Michigan voters.
Pipes: Exactly. And it results in the incoherent policy we’re seeing.
CBN: Now, the deputy commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened to obliterate all Zionists if Israel retaliates against Iran. What are Iran’s actual capabilities?
Pipes: For the last 45 years, Iran’s capabilities have been largely non-conventional—things like sabotage, assassination, and potentially nuclear weapons. In conventional military terms, Iran is weak. But we don’t know the full extent of their nuclear capabilities, just like we didn’t with North Korea. Hopefully, Israel will take out part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure before it becomes a larger threat.
CBN: There are reports that Israel has already chosen its targets. Do you think they’ll focus on oil fields, nuclear facilities, or something else?
Pipes: The U.S. government reportedly advised Israel not to target energy, politicians, or the nuclear infrastructure, but rather military targets. I believe this is a key moment where Israel may go against American wishes and target the nuclear infrastructure. A nuclear-armed Iran would dramatically change the situation in the Middle East and beyond.
CBN: We’ve seen 181 ballistic missiles fired at Israel recently. What if one of those had a nuclear warhead? How serious is Iran’s threat to obliterate Zionists without such weapons?
Pipes: Unlike North Korea or China, the Iranian leadership has an apocalyptic worldview. They believe that global conflict, potentially triggered by nuclear weapons, could hasten the end of the world. This makes their threat even more concerning.
CBN: You’ve written a book titled Israel Victory. How does Israel achieve victory in this conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran? Is it through military action or diplomacy?
Pipes: My book focuses specifically on the Palestinians, not Hezbollah or Iran. I distinguish between the two: Iran and its allies are a military threat, while the Palestinians present more of a political threat. The Palestinians, for example, delegitimize Israel on the global stage and gain support on platforms like American university campuses. Israel has historically been good at handling foreign state actors but less effective with its closer neighbors, like those in Gaza and the West Bank. I advocate for a tougher stance toward the Palestinians.
CBN: So, you’re saying Israel needs to take a stronger approach in Gaza?
Pipes: Yes. Israel has not finished what needs to be done in Gaza. They haven’t established an effective administration or found local partners they can work with. If they don’t take decisive action, Gaza will remain a hostile entity on Israel’s doorstep.
CBN: Thank you, Daniel. The book is Israel Victory: How Zionists Win Acceptance and Palestinians Gain Liberation. Dr. Daniel Pipes, we appreciate your time and insights.
